Wide attacks and pressing alterations: How Liverpool fixed their own issues to overcome Man United – tactical analysis

Manchester United vs Liverpool is one of the most famous rivalries in world football, and more often than not, these ties hold extreme importance for at least one of the two sides. This time around, Liverpool needed a win to continue their push for a top-four finish in the Premier League which would grant them qualification for next season’s Champions League. Meanwhile, hosts Manchester United knew a positive result and performance would help fuel their momentum as they approach the Europa League final, with the league title now belonging to Manchester City. In a fierce contest that saw Liverpool come away with a 4-2 win after some tactical tweaks from Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool will be confident that they can complete their hunt for a top-four finish. This tactical analysis will look at how United caused trouble for the visitors, particularly in wide areas in the first half, while we will also provide an analysis of Liverpool’s pressing game throughout the tie, and how they were able to put four goals past their famous rivals.

Lineups

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer went with a 4-2-3-1 shape which provided them with success in the early stages of the game, particularly in midfield areas. Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka played important roles at full-back, with Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof partnering in central defence in light of the absent Harry Maguire. Fred and Scott McTominay lined up in the deeper midfield roles, with Bruno Fernandes playing his usual advanced midfield role. Paul Pogba would later be introduced into the deeper midfield role which allowed United to play through Liverpool’s press with less trouble. Pogba initially started on the left of the midfield unit, with Marcus Rashford on the right; Edinson Cavani leading the line.

Jurgen Klopp went with a 4-3-3 with the ever-reliable Fabinho able to continue in his anchor man role rather than having to play as part of a back four. This time, to the surprise of many, Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams partnered up at centre-back – Andy Robertson and Trend Alexander-Arnold at full-back. In front of Fabinho was Thiago, who had arguably his best performance in a Liverpool shirt to date, with Gini Wijnaldum alongside him. Diogo Jota and Mo Salah operated as the wide attackers, with Roberto Firmino bagging a brace from centre-forward.